Device and method for installing building material

ABSTRACT

The present invention provide an apparatus, devices and/or systems for the installation of building material which allows one individual on his own to install building material. The device includes at least one resting surface spaced apart from a fastener.

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/722,949, filed Nov. 27, 2000, which isincorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to installation of building materials, andmore particularly, to devices that temporarily secure buildingmaterials, either overhead or on walls, until the installer canpermanently secure the material into position.

BACKGROUND

The burdensome task of installing building materials, such as drywall,is usually cumbersome and labor intensive. The process of installingthese large, cumbersome and heavy drywall sheets for covering walls andceilings usually has been assigned to two or more people. In order tocorrectly install drywall as ceiling sheets or wall sheets, the drywallsheets must first be lifted and placed into the desired position. Withthe drywall sheet being supported by at least one person, a secondperson must then secure the drywall sheet to the overhead joists or walljoists via a means of attachment, one of the more common ways being withscrews. Usually screw guns are employed to speed up the process. While aminimum of two people are usually desired for this particular job,sometimes one person is left to accomplish this task all by thereself.This usually involves the installer balancing the panel on his headand/or using a tee bar (a tee bar is usually constructed from two piecesof 2″×4″ wood with the vertical leg being 2″ to 3″ longer than theheight of the ceiling) to free his hands in order to apply the means ofattachment to attach the sheet of drywall to the structure. Thispractice is dangerous, leaves little room for adjustments andpotentially adds to the amount of scrapped material. Therefore, there isa need for an invention which can temporarily hold a drywall sheet orother building materials in place while the installer is able to dofinal adjustments to the location and permanently secure the panel tothe supporting joists.

One method that is often used to install drywall involves the use of adrywall lift. Sheets of drywall are placed on the drywall lift and thenraised into position. One major disadvantage of using a drywall lift isthat the drywall lift itself is cumbersome to assemble and disassemble.Movement of the drywall lift from one floor to another is thereforedifficult due to the usual need to assemble and disassemble the drywalllift. Further, drywall lift's are often difficult to locate in small orirregular shapes spaces.

One example of a device for aiding in the installation of drywall sheetsand other building materials is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,329.This patent describes a rotatable device having an integral “Z” shapedbody is used to temporarily hold the drywall panel to the ceiling. Thisdevice is only capable of being rotated and does not have the option tobe locked in a secure position. This causes a problem if the drywallsheet needs to be adjusted to properly fit into the desired position.Likewise, a problem exists when abutting one piece of dry wall next toanother. Hence, an installer using the device still requires a minimumof one hand to hold the dry wall in place while the other secures it tothe ceiling joists. Further, the device requires multiple components tomanufacture it in its simplest form and requires the use of a relativelyexpensive shoulder screw. With frequent use of the shoulder, the screwhead strips, requiring disassembly of the device to replace the screw.

Another device used to facilitate the installation of building materialsis described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,446. This patent describes anoverhead support device with an angled surface and widened edges. Atapered screw is embodied inside the housing which is used to secure thesupport device to the ceiling joists. The panel rests in the gap betweenthe ceiling joist and the top of the housing. However, this device needsto be manually screwed in which is labor intensive, strenuous and timeconsuming. Furthermore, this device has the ability to possibly damagethe building material when it is adjusted into its final position.

Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus, device, or devices thatcan be quickly attached to a support structure that can be used inmultiple surroundings to facilitate the installation of buildingmaterials. Further, a need exists for an apparatus that not onlyfacilitates installation of building materials, but makes thatinstallation safer while also reducing the effort, the labor, the numberof people needed to perform the task, and preferably allows theinstaller to have both hands free to secure the material.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an effective and convenient apparatus,devices and/or system for installing building materials either onceilings or on walls. The apparatus and/or devices allows one individualon his own to install building materials. The invention eliminates theneed for one or more persons holding the drywall in place while aninitial means of attachment is applied to hold the sheet of drywall inplace, thus, allowing an installer to remove the support of their head,or lower their arms. Further, while a first installer is using thedevices of the present invention, an additional person(s) can besecuring more devices or moving the existing devices in order to beready to apply the next sheet of drywall. The devices of the presentinvention provide hands free operations and simplifies the job for a ‘doit yourself’ (D.I.Y.) individual or homeowner. The devices of thepresent invention eliminate the need to enlists the help of a friend, orfriends, or rental of a drywall lift in order to lift the sheet ofdrywall and hold it in place until the initial means of attachment arein place. The use of the devices of the present invention givesindividuals who do not normally do strenuous work the ability torelatively simply apply drywall on their own, the only requirement isbeing their ability to lift a sheet of drywall without help. Theapparatus allows an installer to lower their arms once the buildingmaterial is temporarily held in place by the apparatus prior to beingpermanently installed and increases safety.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for installingbuilding materials includes at least one resting surface 50 spaced apartfrom a fastener. Further in accordance with the present invention, thedevices of the invention are first positioned adjacent to where aninstaller would like to install the building material. The apparatus ofthe present invention is attached to an existing structure. Once theapparatus of the invention is attached, the installer may then positiona section of building materials so that it contacts a resting surface50. Contacting the resting surface may be further facilitated with theuse of a guide surface 70. The building material is then positioned andmay be further secured with another device of the apparatuses and/ordevice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a device for supporting building material duringinstallation prior to securing it in its final location, with tworesting surfaces and a feature to facilitate mounting the device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a similar device to FIG. 1 for supporting buildingmaterial during installation prior to securing it in it's finallocation, with two resting surfaces, one of the resting surfaces beingan extension of the surface that is the adjacent mounting surface and afeature to facilitate mounting the device.

FIG. 3 shows a similar device to FIG. 1 with the added feature of alarger target for guiding the material onto the resting surface.

FIG. 4 shows a similar device to FIG. 1 with the added feature of ameans of mounting the device onto a clamp.

FIG. 5 illustrates a similar device to FIG. 2 formed in metal, or acomposite or molded into a more streamlined part.

FIG. 6 shows a similar device to FIG. 1 formed in metal, or a composite,or molded with the added feature of an anti-rotational feature and aplace to attach a means of adding a location feature, to reduce the timeto mount the device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the device of FIG. 6 with the addedfeature of an adjustable support.

FIG. 8 shows a similar device to FIG. 1 with the added feature of ananti-rotational device.

FIG. 9 shows a device similar to FIG. 6 illustrating a clamp as anintegral part with the device of the invention for use when installingbuilding material to metal joists.

FIG. 10 illustrates a device similar to FIG. 6 illustrating a clamp asan integral part with the device of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a device similar to FIG. 4 shown in combination with a“c”-clamp.

FIG. 12 shows a device similar to FIG. 4 shown in combination with aquick-grip bar clamp.

FIG. 13 illustrates a device similar to FIG. 3 illustrating a bar clampas an integral part of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a device similar to FIG. 4 in combination with a Jorgesenclamp.

FIG. 15 shows a device similar to FIG. 4 in combination with a Ponyclamp.

FIG. 16 is a view showing two styles of device in location ready toaccept a sheet of building material.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an installer using a rule to mark the locationto mount one of the devices.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an installer using a flexible feature forlocating the location to mount a clamp style device.

FIGS. 19A, B, C, & D shows a method for installing a sheet of buildingmaterial overhead by one or more installers.

FIG. 20 shows a method of mounting a sheet of building material to awall.

FIG. 21 shows one style of device having a cam action feature forraising a sheet of building material on a wall.

FIG. 22 shows another style of the device with another style of camaction.

FIG. 23 shows one of the devices of FIG. 7 in use as an extra set ofhands during the framing out of duct work.

FIG. 24 shows two of the devices of FIG. 2 in use as an extra set ofhands during the installation of a tongue & grooved ceiling.

FIG. 25 shows a similar device to FIG. 5 with two sets of the same guideand resting surfaces, with one set being a distance from the surfacethat is adjacent to the building material surface.

FIG. 26 shows an adjustable tee-bar for assisting in the application ofbuilding materials.

FIG. 27 shows another feature of the device in that spacer pads can beadded to the surface adjacent to the building material surface in orderto vary the spacing whereby different thickness' of building materialscan be installed.

FIG. 28 shows that the device can also be readily adapted forinstallation of building materials parallel to the ceiling joists.

FIGS. 29A and B illustrate another alternative aspects of the devicethat include various antirotational features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus of the present invention is effective for installingbuilding materials either overhead or on walls. As used herein the term“building materials” includes sheet drywall; paneling, sheet or plank;insulation board, plywood, siding, tongue and grooved planks, framingout of duct work, any form of wood sheet, wood composite sheet, rigidplastic sheet, plastic laminated sheet, expanded plastic (foam sheets),and, any other form of sheet material or planking.

The apparatus of the present invention may be made of a variety ofmaterials including wood, metal, plastic and combinations thereof. Thedevices shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 8 would generally and moreappropriately be made of wood; molded in plastic; molded in a filledplastic; a powdered metal or cast in metal and the devices shown inFIGS. 5 through 7 would generally and more appropriately be made ofmetal; filled plastic; plastic or powdered metal. If the device as shownin 5 through 7 was made in plastic then a person skilled in the artwould probably include a support web for both extended target surfaces76 and 77 running at an angle from a point on the back of the surfacesto the underside of surface 50 and/or the underside of adjacent mountingsurface.

Several important aspects of the apparatus of the present invention areshown in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 1, a device of the apparatus of thepresent invention 20 includes a resting surface 50 spaced apart from afastener. As used herein, “fastener” may include at least one fasteneropening 60 used in combination with a fastener component as describedbelow; a device having a means of attaching a clamp to the device asshown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14; a clamp as an integral part of the deviceas shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 15; and various combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the apparatus of the invention may further include asecond resting surface 55, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 or a shortenedresting surface 75 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. In its basic form, thedevice of the invention only requires one resting surface, however, asecond resting surface provides a user with added versatility at lowcost.

Either one or both of resting surface 50 and second resting surface 55may include a guide surface 70, a second continuous guide surface 76, anelongated continuous guide surface 77, a detachable guide surface 78,and combinations thereof. The guide surface 70, second continuous guidesurface 76, and continuous elongated guide surface 77 may be continuouswith the resting surface 50 and/or the second resting surface 55. In oneaspect of the invention, the second resting surface 55 includes acontinuous elongated guide surface 77, associated with it for use whenputting sheeting on walls or cathedral ceilings.

In alternative aspects of the present invention, the guide surface 70may generally extend downward from the plane of the resting surface 50.The downward extension of the resting guide surface 70 may be gradual,as shown in FIG. 1 or 2. Alternatively, a shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, andcontinuous elongated guide surface 77 may be at a more extreme angle. Asshown in FIG. 3, the apparatus of the invention may also include adetachable elongated guide surface 78 which acts as a bigger target areafor the installer(s) to find with the leading edge of a sheet ofbuilding material and to further facilitate the guiding of buildingmaterials to the resting surface 50.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus for installingbuilding materials may include at least one fastener opening 60. Thefastener opening 60 may be an opening that passes completely through theapparatus 10. The fastener opening 60 has a diameter sufficient to allowany type of fastener component to be used with the apparatus. As usedherein, “fastener component” means any type of screw, nail, rivet, orbolt that can be used to secure the apparatus or device generallydesignated 10, 20 or 30 to an exiting structure or support material. Inthis aspect of the invention, the fastener may pass through the fasteneropening 60 and directly into a ceiling joist or wall stud, or firstthrough a piece of building material before then passing into a ceilingjoist or wall stud. The fastener component may allow the apparatus 10 tobe circularly rotatable around its attachment point. The fasteneropening 60 may also include a metal sleeve(s) or bushing(s) 65 in orderto prolong the life of the device. The sleeve or the apparatus itselfcan include a holding feature effective for retaining a fastenercomponent in place. For example, the sleeve can be magnetized to holdthe fastener component in place which facilitates not having to manuallyhold the fastener component in place. Once the device of the inventionis removed, a drywall screw is place into the hole left by the fastener,which removes any evidence that a fastener component passed through thebuilding material. In an important aspect, the fastener component usedis a drywall screw.

As indicated herein, the fastener opening 60 used in combination with afastener component. In this aspect, the fastener component rotatesindependently of the apparatus. This independent rotation facilitatespositioning and attachment of the apparatus to a support structure.

As shown in the Figures, the apparatus includes a fastener opening 60.In this aspect, surfaces extend away from the fastener opening 60 inboth directions. In an important aspect, a first surface extends awayfrom the fastener opening 60 at least about one inch or more in eachdirection. Generally, the fastener opening 60 is spaced away from theends of the apparatus and is generally located in a middle section ofthe apparatus. This positioning of the fastener opening 60 allows thematerials being installed to contact against each other with no gapbetween materials. Further, this positioning of the faster opening 60allows the materials being installed to be installed in a more parallelposition to the structure to which the building materials are beingattached.

Another aspect of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4, where theapparatus includes a clamp adaptor 35 and does not include a fasteneropening. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus mayinclude both a fastener opening 60 and clamp adaptor 35. As used herein,the term “clamp” includes all clamp designs that can or could bemodified to fit onto or be incorporated as an integral part of thedesign of the present invention. Examples of clamps include “C”-clamps,vice-grip, bar-clamps, and pony-clamps. The use of a clamp incombination with an apparatus of the invention that includes a clampadaptor is shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14.

As shown in FIG. 5, the device generally designated 210 of the presentinvention may also include a continuous elongated guide surface 77 and asecond continuous guide surface 76 that are perpendicular to the planeof the building materials being installed. These guide surfaces 76 and77 aid the installer in contacting building materials with the device.In another aspect of the invention as shown in FIG. 5, the device mayinclude a slightly raised surface 66 around the fastener opening 60. Theraised surface 66 reduces the possibility of marking the buildingmaterial during rotation of the device.

A more streamlined version of the device 220 is shown in FIG. 6. In thisaspect of the invention, the device 220 includes a resting surface 50continuous with a guide surface 70 and a second continuous guide surface76, and a second resting surface 55 continuous with an elongated guidesurface 77.

Another aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 where the apparatus220 includes an anti-rotational feature 211 which may allow the deviceto be clamped to a support structure. The anti-rotational feature 211also serves as an easy locator when addressing the device to the supportstructure, and also facilitates locating the mounting of the device byplacing the fastener opening 60 roughly in the center of a standardjoist. Further, the apparatus may also include an attachment opening 212for attaching a positioning feature, such a chord, a chain or a springreturn device. Hence, the measurements of the device are effective forproperly locating the device to facilitate installation of buildingmaterial.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a means of adding another supportsurface 223. In this instance, the support surface 223 is shown as beingattached via screws 222 and a slot 221 which allows adjustment of thelocation of the support surface 223. It is understood that a personskilled in the art can easily design other means of adjustment for thisadditional surface and these means are hereby included. This feature canbe used as an extra pair of hands in supporting a framework thatrequires holding in place temporarily prior to permanent attachment,hence, allowing the carpenter to operate hands free.

Referring to FIG. 8, this figure shows a preferred one piece devicegenerally designated 420. This device can be made from wood, molded fromplastic, filled plastic, powdered metal, cast in metal, or a combinationof these materials. The device 420 includes a continuous elongated guidesurface 77, a second continuous guide surface 76, an anti-rotationalfeature 211 and a fastener opening 60. If the device is made in plasticthen it optionally may include an inserted bushing in the fasteneropening 60. In devices made of powdered metal or metal this featurewould not be required.

Various aspects of the invention that include the use of the device incombination with a clamp are shown in FIGS. 9 through 15. Many styles ofclamps are manufactured by various manufactures including Stanley,Craftsman, Wolfclamp, Pony clamp, Jorgenson, Bessey, Vice Grip, AmericanTool, plus numerous others which are hereby included in this invention.In an important aspect of the invention, the clamps used include barclamps, quick grips, power press, cabinet clamp, euro claw, deep reachbar clamps, k-body clamps, vice grips, hand clamp, pony clamps,Jorgenson clamps, c-clamps, ratchet clamps, and various other names andstyles of these clamps with or without manufactures names that canreadily be adapted or designed to accommodate, or have, the features ofany or all of the above devices; and, are hereby included in thisinvention,

As shown in FIG. 9, the device may be used in combination a hand-clamp352 for use during the installation of sheet building material to metalstuds. Both jaws have a pivoting feature 57 and 58 that permit the clampsurfaces to be parallel to each other when closed. As further shown inFIG. 9 is a folded surface 79 continuous with the elongated continuousguide surface 77. The folded surface 79 eliminates a sharp edge whenusing this style of device to install building material against a wall.

The device of the present invention 320 in combination with a pair ofvice grips 350 is shown in FIG. 10. The vice grips 350 may includeserrated teeth 330 useful for biting into wooden joists to more firmlysecure attachment of the vice grips 350 to a joist. The serrated teeth330 may include a single point, multiple teeth, or any other design thatwould dig into a joist and be effective for securing the clamp to thejoist.

The device of the present invention in combination with a “C”-clamp isshown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a device of FIG. 8 where theanti-rotational feature 211 is replaced with a clamp adaptor 35. Theclamp adaptor 35 provides a surface where a “C”-clamp 354 can contactthe device to secure it in place.

Referring to FIG. 12, this Figure shows a device of FIG. 4 incombination with a bar-clamp 355. In this aspect of the invention, thedevice includes a clamp adaptor 35 whereby the device can be slid ontoone of the jaws of an existing style of bar-clamp 355. The opposing jawof the bar-clamp may include an antislip feature 442. The antislipfeature 442 may include single or multiple protrusions effective forsecuring the clamp to a wooden joist to prevent sliding of the clamp.

Another aspect of the device of the present invention is shown in FIG.13. The device of the 430 may be integrally combined with a bar-clamp355 such that the device 430 and modified bar-clamp 355 are one piece.As shown in FIG. 13, both jaws are shown as having an anitslip feature442 which is effective for bitting into a joist and preventing slippage.With a bar-clamp as shown in this FIG. 13 and FIG. 12 one of the jaws isstationary and generally part of the bar; while, the other moveable jaw356 is moveable by means of a squeezing action that is perpendicular tothe bar, an example of which is a quick-grip type clamp. Other styles ofbar-clamps actuate the moveable jaw by a squeezing action parallel withthe bar, an example of which is a EZ-hang type clamp and by means of athread clamp such as a c-clamp.

Referring to FIG. 14, this figure shows another style of bar-clamp knowas a Jorgensen clamp in combination with a device of FIG. 4. Themoveable end 358 is first moved to a snug position then tightened upusing the jaw mounted on a thread 357 by turning the handle 359.

Another aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 15. In this figure anapparatus generally designated 440 is shown in combination with a clampknown as a “pony clamp”. The fixed end 371 of the clamp is screwed on toa piece of black pipe with the adjustable jaw 370 slid on to the pipe.The rough adjustment is done with the adjustable jaw 370 and the finaltightening by cranking the handle on the fixed end. It is to beunderstood that any of the devices shown could be used in combinationwith any clamp either attached or as an integral part of the device ofthe invention.

Various aspect of the use of devices of the present invention are shownin FIGS. 16-25 and positioning of the device of the present invention isshown in FIGS. 16-18. As can be seen in the Figures, each apparatus ofthe invention is positioned to facilitate installation of the first ornext piece of building material. Referring to FIG. 16, in this figuretwo pair of styles of devices are shown in ceiling location ready tohave a sheet of building material put in place. One device of each setis mounted on the ceiling joists 130 and the other mounted through thedrywall 120 and into the ceiling joists 130. One style comprises of apair of devices as reflected by 10 and 30; and the other pair's styleare reflected by 210 and 220.

Referring to FIG. 17, this figure shows an installer 380 marking thelocation 514 on the ceiling joist 130 using a rule that is forty-eightan a half inched long. This distance is measured from the edge of a wallor a previously installed sheet. The half inch play is more than enoughto place the sheet flush with the ceiling joist and leave littledistance to move the sheet in order to put it in place for attachment.Most sheets of material are 4′×8′ long or 4′×12′ long; but, the metricequivalent of sheet sizes would be allowed for by a rule half an inchlonger than the width of the metric standard for building materialsheeting.

Another means of locating the device 320 to ceiling joist 130 is shownin FIG. 18. As shown, a flexible length of material 512 by holding a thepredetermined mark on the flexible material against either the wall orpreviously attached sheet stretching it to its limit and attaching inthis figure the clamp 320. Positioning of building material may beaccomplished using a positioning device such as a chord 512 and/ormeasuring device 510, and may also include a chain or a spring returndevice (not shown).

Installation of the building material 120 is shown in FIGS. 19A-D.Referring to FIGS. 19 a, b, c & d, these views show a preferred methodof installing building material sheets on a ceiling. In thisillustration the installer 380 is putting up drywall. After marking thelocation and installing the devices the drywall 120 is lifted in thenear vertical to vertical position and the top edge is engaged with theguide surface of the devices. Building material is then lifted up tillit hits the ceiling joists, at which time maintaining a upwards pressurelocate the leading edge of the drywall into the pockets created by thedevices and ceiling joists as shown in FIG. 19 b; and, rotate as shownin FIG. 19 b into the horizontal position as shown in FIG. 19 c. Thenthe device 210 is rotated into position to support the sheet of drywall120. Then the installer is hands free to use his screw gun 360 topermanently mount the sheet of drywall as shown in FIG. 19 d. When usingthese devices on an eight foot long sheet it is recommended that twosets of the devices be used; and, on a twelve foot long sheet three setsof these devices be used.

A method for installing building material on a wall is illustrated inFIG. 20. In accordance with the invention, an installer first marks thelocations for mounting the device of the present invention using ameasuring device 510. One of the marks made by the installer is justover four feet and the other at four feet and a half inches down fromthe ceiling or other sheet. The devices of the inventions, shown as 20and 220 are secured into position. Other devices of the invention may beused, for example, device 40 in combination with a clamp, device 420,device 320 as shown in FIG. 10, and device 430 in FIG. 13. The drywall120 is placed into pockets created by the device of the invention andstuds, and rotated into a vertical position. Then using a tee bar 520,the drywall 120 is manually raised so that the top edge of the drywallis flush with the ceiling. In a typical installation, the ceiling panelsmay already be in place, whereas, FIG. 20 shows an open ceiling.

An alternative method of raising building material is shown in FIGS. 21and 22. Instead of using a tee-bar or manually raising the material, thematerial my be raised using a cam feature as shown in FIG. 21 byrotating handle 432. With rotation, the eccentric cam 434 raises thedrywall 120.

Referring to FIG. 22, this figure shows another alternative method ofraising a sheet of drywall 120 via another design of cam 436 whichrotates around the mounting feature 62; and, by the means of twistingthe cam using web 438 the drywall sheet is raised.

An alternative use of the device of the present invention is shown inFIG. 23. In this figure, a device with an adjustable additional surface224, as illustrated by the feature in FIG. 7, is shown attached to aceiling joist 130 and acting as an extra pair of hands to hold the framework 610 while framing out ductwork 612, thus leaving the installershands free to adjust and secure the framework.

Another use of the device of the present invention is shown in FIG. 24.In this figure a pair of the devices 10 are used to support and placelong tongue and grooved planks 620 into a location against ceilingjoists 130, thus, freeing up the installer to secure the planks. It isunderstood that anybody skilled in the art of construction can readilysee using these devices to mount numerous types of building materials onwalls or ceilings. Although the devices designated 10 are shown in thefigure it is understood that it could just as easily be the device ofFIG. 5 or FIG. 25 and are thereby included in this invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, this figure shows a preferred one piece devicegenerally designated 410. This device can be made from wood; molded fromplastic; filled plastic; powdered metal or cast in metal. Reflected arethe three guide surfaces 70, 76 and 77, on both sides of the fasteneropening 60. As shown in this figure one set of the surfaces is spaced atdistance from the adjacent surface that contacts the structure surfaceto which the device is mounted. If the device is made in plastic then itpossibly may include an inserted bushing. In powdered metal or metalthis feature would not be required. Also shown is a raised area 66 whichis not essential to the device provides a added advantage of reducingpossible marking of the building material surface when being rotatedinto position.

Referring to FIG. 26, this figure shows an adjustable tee supportcomprising of a head piece 720 two tubular vertical support piece 722and 724 which slide one inside the other. Holes 721 and 723 that allow apin 725 to be placed through both tubes in order to facilitate differentheights of use; and, although not necessary for the function of thetee-bar a boot 726 with a roughened base 727 to stop marking the floor.It is understood that anybody skilled in the art could modify the designwith a removable head to facilitate storage or transportation, add acoating to the head or make it out of a material that will reduce oreliminate marking the building material, or make the head with limitedrocking ability.

Referring to FIG. 27, this figure shows an additional feature of thepresent invention for adding space between the apparatus of the presentinvention and the building material being installed. This featureprovides the installer with the ability to install a verity of differentthicknesses of building material with the same basic device. In thisfigure three designs of height block 810 a, 810 b and 810 c are shown.The height block 810 a shows an extrusion with a clearance hole 62 forthe means of mounting the device to the structure. The height block 810b is a block with mounting holes 64 and clearance hole 62. The heightblock 810 c shows a design with clip on feet 812 and a clearance hole62.

Referring to FIG. 28, this figure shows the device of FIG. 26 having twosets of the same guides 76 and 70. Also two surfaces 50 with a centermounting post and means of attachment 66 mounted at right angles to theceiling joist 130. An additional stop 82 is added to give the requiredgap for the building material to be inserted. In accordance with theinvention, building material is raised vertically to near vertical tocontact guide surface 76. The building material is lifted and rotatedinto position and device 410 is rotated to support the buildingmaterial. Further shown is an alternative bar clamp design in which thejaws open instead of close. It is understood that any competent designercan add this feature to many of the designs of clamp and are herebyincluded in this invention.

In another aspect shown in FIGS. 29A and B, the antirotational device213 may extend to either side of the fastener opening 60 or be locatedon one or the other side of the fastener opening 60.

Numerous modifications and variations in practice of the invention areexpected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of theforegoing detailed description of the invention. Consequently, suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

1. An apparatus for installing building materials comprising: a firstsurface comprising a fastener, the first surface extending away from thefastener in both directions, the first surface attached to a restingsurface, wherein the resting surface is not in the same plane as thefirst surface; at least one guide surface continuous with the restingsurface and extending away from a plane of the resting surface; and atleast one target surface continuous with the guide surface and extendingaway from a plane of the resting surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the fastener is spaced apart from the resting surface.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the fastener is a fastener opening in thefirst surface in combination with a fastening component.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the fastener is a clamp adaptor and clamp.5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fastener is a clamp.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the clamp is selected from the groupconsisting of c-clamps, pony clamps, Jorgensen clamps, EZ hold clamps,bar clamps, power press clamps, cabinet clamps, euro claw clamps, deepreach bar clamps, k-body clamps, hand clamps, ratchet clamps, quick gripbar clamps, vice grip clamps, and combinations thereof.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6 wherein the clamp includes at least one pivoting feature. 8.The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the clamp has at least one means forpenetrating into a support structure to enhance securing the apparatusin place.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the clamp is an integralpart of the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theapparatus for installing building material further comprises ananti-rotational feature.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theapparatus further comprises a cam feature.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a positioning feature.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2further comprising at least one material thickness spacer.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 2 further comprising at least one adjustable supportsurface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus forinstalling building material is made from a material selected from thegroup consisting of wood, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof. 16.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable tee support.17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a holding featureeffective for retaining a fastener component in place.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17 wherein the holding feature is a magnetized sleeve.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the anti-rotational feature extends toeither side of the fastener opening or is located on one or the otherside of fastener opening.
 20. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thefastening component is circularly rotatable around its point ofattachment in a manner effective for facilitating positioning andattachment of building materials.